Best Accounting Associate Degree Programs & Schools - Top Accounting Schools in Memphis for 2026

What can I expect from accounting associate degrees in Memphis?

Students enrolling in an accounting associate degree program in Memphis can expect a curriculum that blends practical skills with foundational knowledge in financial and managerial accounting, business law, and related computer applications. For example, graduates from Southwest Tennessee Community College often mention the value of hands-on computer labs that closely mimic real-world accounting tasks, which helped them feel confident entering the workforce.

Flexibility is a major benefit, as programs frequently offer both fully online and blended learning options, accommodating those balancing work or family commitments. Graduates from private colleges like Strayer University-Tennessee appreciate that these options allowed them to complete coursework on their own schedules without sacrificing quality.

Many students also take advantage of generous transfer credit policies, with some schools accepting up to 44 credits, accelerating degree completion. Tuition varies, with nonprofit options averaging around $9,577 annually, making education more accessible. Students finish prepared for entry-level roles such as payroll assistant or bookkeeping, often feeling optimistic about continuing their education toward a bachelor's degree thanks to transferable credits.

Where can I work after finishing accounting associate degree in Memphis?

After finishing an accounting associate degree program in Memphis, graduates quickly find that job opportunities spread across various sectors. Many secure roles as accounting assistants or payroll specialists at institutions like the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where daily tasks include supporting payroll and managing accounts with responsibilities that feel both important and manageable. Others land positions in client accounting services at local CPA firms such as Fouts & Morgan, collaborating directly with clients and handling bookkeeping-experiences that build confidence and real-world skills.

Beyond traditional accounting roles, degree holders also thrive in specialized jobs like inventory specialist or transportation clerk at major employers such as Baptist Memorial Health Care. These positions leverage accounting knowledge in hands-on, dynamic environments, offering graduates practical insights into business operations.

Many graduates appreciate the variety of employers-from healthcare to universities, nonprofits, and regional businesses-who value the solid foundation an associate degree provides. This range means students from Memphis colleges can tailor their job search to environments that match their interests and work style, often finding part-time or full-time roles with benefits that enhance job satisfaction.

How much can I make after finishing accounting associate degree in Memphis?

After completing an accounting associate degree program in Memphis, graduates commonly enter roles such as Accounting Associate, Accounting Assistant, or Accounts Receivable Clerk, with starting salaries generally between $40,000 and $55,000. For example, those graduating from well-known local institutions often find themselves earning around $45,000 annually, which aligns with Salary.com's reported average of $45,175 for Accounting Associates in Memphis as of August 2025.

Several graduates share that early paychecks around $42,000 as Accounts Receivable Clerks feel rewarding, especially when balancing entry-level responsibilities with on-the-job learning. Others who stepped into Accounting Assistant roles have seen a wider salary range-from about $32,000 up to $54,000-reflecting differing company sizes or specialties within Memphis.

Opportunities to increase income are real, especially for graduates attending schools known for strong accounting programs, where gaining practical skills and certifications lead to staff accountant positions with average salaries near $57,000. Knowing where you start is empowering-many report feeling motivated by seeing tangible career growth right from Memphis classrooms to local offices.

How long does it take to complete accounting associate degrees in Memphis?

An accounting associate degree program in Memphis typically requires about two years of full-time study to complete. This timeline aligns well with what graduates from local schools experience, such as those who attended South College, where full-time students finish the Associate of Science in Accounting in around 21 months. Others who enrolled at Remington College with a focus on bookkeeping have completed their studies in as little as 18 months under ideal circumstances.

Many graduates found that transferring credits from previous coursework significantly shortened their path. For example, students leveraging transfer policies at institutions like Franklin University benefit from up to 44 credit hours waived, enabling earlier graduation and reducing financial and time commitments.

While full-time students typically complete the program in two years, part-time learners juggling work or family may take longer. The program's roughly 60 to 65 credit hours cover essential skills such as payroll and office management, preparing graduates efficiently for the workforce in a manageable timeframe within Memphis's academic landscape.

What's the difference between online and on-campus accounting associate degree programs?

Choosing between online and on-campus accounting associate degree programs in Memphis often comes down to how you balance flexibility and interaction. Graduates from Southwest Tennessee Community College share that online courses allow them to juggle work and family while studying accounting at their convenience. They appreciate submitting assignments digitally and attending virtual tutoring sessions without a commute. In contrast, on-campus students relish real-time discussions with professors and peers, especially during group projects that deepen understanding of complex accounting principles.

Both formats cover essential subjects like financial and managerial accounting, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for local job markets. However, on-campus learners at Memphis area schools often highlight the energizing atmosphere of classrooms and campus resources, which can motivate steady progress. Meanwhile, online students value the freedom to learn at their own pace but must stay disciplined to keep up.

Ultimately, the choice reflects your lifestyle-whether you thrive on structure and personal connection or seek adaptable study schedules without sacrificing accredited, quality education in Memphis.

What is the average cost of accounting associate degree programs in Memphis?

The average cost of an accounting associate degree in Memphis varies by institution type, but nonprofit schools offering online programs generally charge around $9,577 per year. This rate provides a practical baseline for prospective students seeking affordable options close to home. In contrast, for-profit schools in the area frequently have higher tuition and fees, averaging about $13,920 annually. These figures capture essential tuition charges but exclude living expenses and additional program fees that some students encounter.

At the University of Memphis, a popular choice among local accounting students, tuition and fees for undergraduate study total approximately $11,256 per year. However, total expenses rise considerably when factoring in housing, books, transportation, and personal costs. Graduates often share how managing on-campus living expenses can make the total annual cost approach $35,240, while off-campus students find their budgets closer to $24,355. Such real-life experiences highlight the importance of careful financial planning beyond just tuition when considering Memphis accounting associate degree tuition and fees.

Community colleges such as Northwest Mississippi Community College offer a more budget-friendly path, aligning tuition costs with nonprofit two-year schools in the region. Many students appreciate these institutions for their ability to combine transfer credits with lower expenses, reducing both cost and time to completion. To better understand what are the requirements to start a career in accounting and how financial aid can play a role, students frequently explore scholarships and grants that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket spending.

What financial aid is available for accounting associate degree students in Memphis?

Students pursuing an accounting associate degree in Memphis can access a variety of financial aid options tailored to ease the burden of tuition and living expenses. A crucial step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens doors to federal grants like Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), as well as Work-Study jobs and Direct Student Loans.

For those attending the University of Memphis or Southwest Tennessee Community College, FAFSA code 003509 specifically applies, ensuring aid is processed correctly. Graduates often recall how grants, which do not require repayment, lightened their financial load.

State support is also significant. The Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) offers need-based grants for local students, while the HOPE Scholarship rewards academic achievement and residency. Students in accounting programs often find institutional scholarships at Memphis colleges, blending merit and need-based aid to help manage the roughly $4,500 annual in-state tuition at places like Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Many students highlight how Federal Work-Study jobs not only contribute income but also provide valuable work experience alongside their studies. Maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA is essential to keep these benefits, reinforcing both academic and financial responsibility.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in accounting associate degree programs in Memphis?

Enrolling in an accounting associate degree program in Memphis requires meeting several clear prerequisites that ensure students are prepared for the rigorous coursework ahead. Most graduates from popular Memphis colleges recall the importance of holding a high school diploma or GED as the foundational step. This basic credential guarantees proficiency in essential areas like reading, writing, and math, which are crucial for grasping accounting principles.

Applicants should be ready to provide official high school transcripts, as many Memphis institutions use these to verify academic backgrounds. Some schools may have a minimum GPA requirement-often around 2.0-which helps maintain academic standards.

Standardized test scores like the ACT or SAT are typically not required. Instead, students often complete placement tests in math and English. Graduates from community colleges in Memphis have shared how these tests helped tailor their course paths, sometimes highlighting the need for remedial classes that strengthened their skills early on.

Additional key points include:

• Transfer credits accepted from previous college work, reducing time to degree completion, a benefit frequently noted by adult learners balancing school and work.
• Institutional accreditation, crucial for credit transfer and financial aid eligibility, ensuring students' efforts lead to recognized qualifications.

These prerequisites are not arbitrary hurdles but designed to equip aspiring accounting professionals in Memphis with a strong, supportive academic foundation.

What courses are typically in accounting associate degree programs in Memphis?

Accounting associate degree programs in Memphis consistently include a set of core courses designed to equip students with practical, job-ready skills. Graduates from local programs, including those offered by schools such as Franklin University and Northwest Mississippi Community College, often highlight how these courses prepared them for real accounting tasks.

Key courses found in most Memphis programs are:

• Financial Accounting: Provides a foundation in recording and reporting business transactions, crucial for understanding financial statements encountered in day-to-day roles.
• Managerial Accounting: Teaches budgeting and cost analysis, enabling students to think like managers who use accounting data for decision-making.
• Federal Income Taxation: Covers the essentials of tax law, helping students confidently navigate individual and small business tax issues.
• Accounting Systems: Introduces software and tools that streamline accounting processes, reflecting the technology many graduates use on the job.
• Auditing: Develops skills to review financial records and verify compliance, a critical task for accounting assistants.

Complementing these are general education courses such as mathematics and business law that provide context beyond numbers. Many Memphis students appreciate how this well-rounded curriculum builds confidence, enabling them to smoothly transition into roles like bookkeeping or clerking where hands-on knowledge matters most.

What types of specializations are available in accounting associate degree programs in Memphis?

Accounting associate degree specializations in Memphis reflect the city's diverse economic landscape and student ambitions. Graduates from popular schools in Memphis often highlight four main concentrations that shape their skill sets and career readiness:

• Financial accounting: Students learn to prepare and analyze financial statements, crucial for roles like bookkeeping and payroll, gaining a solid foundation for interpreting numbers that drive business decisions.
• Tax accounting: This specialization dives into federal tax codes for individuals and businesses, equipping students to confidently handle tax preparation and compliance, a rewarding path for those who enjoy detailed work.
• Auditing: Focusing on verifying financial accuracy, students develop analytical skills valued by public accounting firms and government agencies responsible for regulatory compliance.
• Government and nonprofit accounting: Tailored for public sector and nonprofit roles, this track addresses unique reporting requirements, preparing students for meaningful careers supporting community organizations.

Memphis accounting associate degree concentrations also frequently include coursework in accounting systems and cost accounting, blending traditional knowledge with modern technology and managerial insights. Many graduates from these programs remark on their hands-on experience with software and practical scenarios that enhance employability.

One graduate shared how focusing on financial accounting helped them understand not only how to handle numbers but also what do i need to start working as bookkeeper, enabling a smooth transition into the workforce. With a reported 100% increase in online degree completions, Memphis programs are responding dynamically to student needs and career trends.

How do you choose the best accounting associate degree program in Memphis?

Choosing the best accounting associate degree program in Memphis starts with prioritizing accredited accounting programs Memphis Tennessee that ensure your education meets high standards. Graduates from Southwest Tennessee Community College often praise their program's accredited status, which gave them confidence when applying for accounting roles. Affordability also plays a crucial role: many local students share how selecting an affordable accounting associate degree Memphis allowed them to balance cost with quality, especially at community colleges offering strong financial aid.

Look closely at curriculum balance. Programs combining foundational business courses with specialized accounting classes, plus real-world internships, prepare you for a variety of jobs from accounting firms to government agencies. Evening or online class options are highly valued by working students, enabling them to study without sacrificing income. For those needing a flexible schedule, exploring an online accounting degree may offer a practical solution without compromising quality.

What career paths are available for accounting associate degree graduates in Memphis?

Graduates with an accounting associate degree in Memphis often secure entry level accounting careers Memphis such as accounting assistant, bookkeeper, and accounting specialist. Many graduates from popular local schools report gaining employment at institutions like the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where starting wages for accounting assistants approach $20.65 per hour. These roles frequently involve managing financial records, payroll support, and assisting with audits in healthcare and private sectors.

The bookkeeping field is particularly promising, with Tennessee's 7.8% job growth rate from 2022 to 2032 outpacing national trends. Bookkeepers in Memphis handle daily financial transactions and reporting, a key opportunity for recent associates degree holders eager to enter the workforce quickly. Experienced graduates describe how their formal education helped them stand out to employers who increasingly favor candidates with accounting credentials.

Other rewarding options include clerks, analysts, and inventory specialists, particularly in transportation and logistics companies locally. Some graduates highlight how gaining experience in these entry level accounting careers Memphis can lead to advancement toward accounting specialist or assistant accountant positions paying up to $24 hourly. Although higher roles often require a bachelor's degree, some Memphis employers value associate degree holders who develop hands-on skills over time.

For detailed career guidance, students should explore the accounting job outlook specific to Memphis and Tennessee, helping align their education with local market demands.

What is the job market for accounting associate degree graduates in Memphis?

Graduates holding an accounting associate degree in Memphis encounter a healthy job market with a broad array of roles across various industries. Positions like Accounting Assistant, Bookkeeping & Tax Associate, and Transportation Clerk are common entry points, demonstrating steady demand. Local schools such as the University of Memphis and Southwest Tennessee Community College provide practical skills, enabling graduates to confidently navigate payroll, accounts payable, and financial transaction duties.

The market for accounting associate degree jobs in Memphis especially shines when considering the diversity of employers, including healthcare providers like Baptist Memorial Health Care and Mechanical Systems Company, LLC. Graduates often share positive experiences about securing jobs that match their skill sets and highlight the real-world application of accounting principles learned during their studies.

• Hourly wages typically range from $17 to $24, depending on the role and company size.
• Over 700 job listings exist specifically targeting associate degree holders, signaling robust hiring trends.

Those curious about whether is getting accounting degree easy will find Memphis a supportive environment blending steady hiring and competitive salaries-elements that make pursuing an associate degree in accounting a pragmatic choice.